Ashfield District Council has issued a reminder to local birdkeepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of avian flu.

Increasing cases of avian flu in England in domestic birds across the UK mean that the guidance must be followed, to limit the number of cases and stop the disease.

This applies whether birdkeepers have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is encouraging all keepers to register their birds with them, and keep contact details up to date, so that they can contact owners quickly if there is a disease outbreak in an area and if action needs to be taken.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) came into force across Great Britain in November 2021 and means that bird keepers must still: house or net all poultry and captive birds to keep them separate from wild birds; cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds; reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination; thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis; keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points; and minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.

If anyone identifies breaches of the above controls in Ashfield such that poultry and wild birds can mix, they can contact [email protected] if they have any concerns.

The risk to the general public's health is very low with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirming that avian flu is primarily a disease of birds and, although one case has been recently found in south-west of England, cases like this are extremely rare.

Alastair Blunkett, Service Manager for Neighbourhoods and Environment at Ashfield District Council, said: "Over the last week we have collected a number of dead birds from Kingsmill reservoir. DEFRA have also removed a number of birds for testing, as yet though there are no confirmed cases of avian flu in Ashfield. If anyone finds a dead or visibly sick bird they should not touch it. For dead birds in Ashfield parks, please call us on 01623 450000 or email [email protected].

"Signage is going up in our parks, reservoirs and ponds to warn visitors to avoid contact with wild birds and for people to wash their hands frequently, however we would repeat that the risk to humans is extremely low."

If a dead bird is discovered in other locations, residents are advised to please call the DEFRA helpline on 03459 335577.

The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

If bird keepers have more than 50 birds, they are legally required to register their flock within one month of arrival at their premises. Those with less than 50 birds, including pet birds, are strongly encouraged to register them.